Introduction: Manchester’s Growing Tech Landscape

At the heart of this growth sits a new kind of workplace. One that is not just functional, but experiential. Spaces designed to bring people in, keep them there, and make the office commute worth its time. This project, delivered for a confidential global technology company in central Manchester’s business district, reflects both the growth in the Manchester area, as well as the growing expectations employees put on the spaces in which they work.

The Space: Heritage Outside, Modern Within

Set within Manchester’s iconic red brick cityscape, the building blends heritage themes, with contemporary design. Inside, the space opens up into a full-floor workplace designed around flexibility. Breakout areas, collaborative zones, quiet workspaces, and a roof terrace all combine to create a dynamic environment.

It was key to keep the space feeling light, airy, and welcoming. To encourage interaction, and most importantly, create a workplace that people actively want to come back to.

The Design: Light, Airy, and Interactive

The interior design leans into openness. Exposed services, acoustic rafts, and clean architectural lines create a modern, slightly industrial feel, softened by warm timber finishes and colourful furniture. We needed to create a scheme that worked with this design style, rather than contrast with it.

Rather than treating greenery as an afterthought, the scheme was designed to integrate directly into the architecture. Planting would guide movement, define zones, and add softness to the harder industrial elements.

A key feature of the design is the use of our ceiling raft planting system, with suspended planters running through breakout spaces. These introduce greenery at eye level and above, drawing the gaze upward and making planting part of the spatial experience, not just the floorplan.

The Planting Scheme: Layered, Immersive, and Functional

The planting spread focussed on architectural species that thrive in commercial environments while delivering strong visual impact.

Across the space, planting is used in three key ways:

Zoning and Way finding

Large integrated planters sit atop storage units and divide desks, subtly guiding movement through the workspace. This creates natural pathways without the need for physical barriers, supporting both flow and privacy.

Feature Planting

In breakout and collaboration areas, bold planting takes centre stage. Taller species such as Kentia palms and Ficus varieties add height and presence, while mixed underplanting introduces texture and density.

Overhead Greenery

Suspended planting, using our ceiling raft system, brings a softer, more immersive layer. Trailing species such as Epipremnum and ferns cascade gently into the space, breaking up sightlines and adding a sense of depth.

External Connection

The roof terrace brings structured planting that softens the urban backdrop and creates a usable, inviting outdoor space for staff.

The Result: A Workplace People Return To

The final scheme delivers more than just visual impact. It changes how the space is used.

Planting now leads people through the office, from focused work zones to collaborative areas and out onto the terrace. The environment feels calmer, more natural, and more engaging.

Most importantly, it works.

Following installation, the client reported a 1.5 day increase in average weekly office attendance. A clear indication that when a workspace feels good to be in, people choose to be there.

Ongoing Maintenance and Next Steps

Our work doesn’t stop at installation. We provide ongoing office plant maintenance in Manchester. This means this space will benefit from watering and pruning to plant replacement and health monitoring, so that the scheme grows into the space.

If you’re looking to enhance your workplace with a professionally designed and maintained planting scheme, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our team, or fill in the form below to discuss your space and discover how we can bring it to life.